Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in his press conference on Monday before his side battle Stoke City in the Capital One Cup, in light of transfer speculation surrounding the position.

The German denied rumours linking the Reds to Barcelona stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, instead opting to praise his current No. 1, who has been in good form this season, as quoted by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

The Anfield boss also highlighted Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic, who has hit a rich vein of form this term for Stoke. The 26-year-old has seven goals and three assists in the Premier League this term, according to WhoScored.com, and will be one of the hosts' primary threats on Tuesday night.

Klopp said the player was a prodigious talent during his time in German football and is well aware of his ability, per Pearce:

James Pearce @JamesPearceEcho

Klopp:"It will be a different game v Stoke. Arnautovic is more of a false 9. One of biggest rules in football is you have to avoid crosses."